EP0205200B1 - Method for transmitting audio and additional information in digital form - Google Patents

Method for transmitting audio and additional information in digital form Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0205200B1
EP0205200B1 EP86200876A EP86200876A EP0205200B1 EP 0205200 B1 EP0205200 B1 EP 0205200B1 EP 86200876 A EP86200876 A EP 86200876A EP 86200876 A EP86200876 A EP 86200876A EP 0205200 B1 EP0205200 B1 EP 0205200B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bits
information
code words
code
additional information
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP86200876A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0205200A1 (en
Inventor
Björn Blüthgen
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Polygram GmbH
Polygram International Holding BV
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Polygram GmbH
Polygram International Holding BV
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Priority to AT86200876T priority Critical patent/ATE55199T1/en
Publication of EP0205200A1 publication Critical patent/EP0205200A1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B20/00—Signal processing not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Circuits therefor
    • G11B20/00007—Time or data compression or expansion
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04J—MULTIPLEX COMMUNICATION
    • H04J3/00—Time-division multiplex systems
    • H04J3/02—Details
    • H04J3/12—Arrangements providing for calling or supervisory signals
    • H04J3/125—One of the channel pulses or the synchronisation pulse is also used for transmitting monitoring or supervisory signals

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for transmitting audio information in digital form, in which a predetermined number of code words each represents a sample of an analog audio signal, and in which additional information is transmitted in digital form in every n one or more least significant bits of the digital audio information are replaced by bits or additional information, where n is a natural, integer greater than zero.
  • one or more of the least significant bits of digital information are replaced by data of additional information for this purpose.
  • this can be done. So it is e.g. known from EP-A 058 482 to use at least two of the least significant bits of the samples of audio information for the transmission of additional information, one of the bits representing the data and the other representing a control bit. This replacement of the original data is done in every code word, i.e. that is, made with each sample.
  • GB-A 20 63 018 a system for the transmission of digital samples of a speech signal is known, in which in each sample the least significant bit is replaced by a bit of additional information.
  • the number of bits replaced is dependent on the coded amplitude value of the respective code word of the audio information such that more bits are replaced when larger, predetermined reference values are exceeded than when smaller, predetermined reference values are exceeded.
  • one or more least significant bits of the audio information are therefore replaced by bits of the additional information in every nth, preferably every second, code word. This is done in such a way that the number of bits replaced depends on the coded amplitude value of the digital audio signal.
  • the coded amplitude value of the digital audio signal corresponds to an analog voltage value of the audio signal converted back into the analog range on the system reception side. With relatively large coded amplitude values of the digital audio signal, i.e. So in the analog range at relatively high voltages, one or more least significant bits of the audio information are replaced by data bits of the additional information.
  • the replacement of the least significant bits in every nth code word described above can also be carried out in the words in between.
  • more least significant bits of the audio signal are replaced by bits of the additional information.
  • the counting cycle for the number n restarts each time fixed, predetermined values appear and continues cyclically until the next appearance of the predetermined code words that restart the counting cycle.
  • a kind of synchronization is necessary to identify those code words in which the least significant bits are replaced by data bits. This is carried out in such a way that the counting cycle for identifying the manipulated code words restarts for given values of the code words or for given sequences of values of the code words. This means, for example, that when a certain code word or a certain code word sequence is recognized, the counting cycle restarts and from this code word the least significant bits are replaced by data bits in every nth code word.
  • the counting cycle starts again, so that the counting cycle is synchronized again and again and errors in the transmission and resulting incorrect identification of the codewords only last a limited time, namely until the next new synchronization of the counter clock can have a disruptive effect.
  • the data bits of the additional information are separated from the data bits of the audio information and the bits of the audio information which have become free are occupied with bits of a digital noise oscillator.
  • the method uses the masking effect of the ear to transmit additional information.
  • This masking effect means that at relatively loud levels of a sound signal, minor disturbances for the hearing are not so clearly audible. Under certain conditions, it may nevertheless be advantageous not to leave the data information inserted into the sound information in the sound signal, but to replace it with another signal.
  • a noise signal has proven to be advantageous here.
  • the replacement of the data bits e.g. by noise signals is usually not necessary if the bits of additional information are distributed so that they act acoustically on the ear like a noise signal.
  • This method is aimed at accommodating as extensive additional information as possible in a given signal frame, for example a digital audio disc (CD).
  • a predefined number or a number of bits of the lowest value of the mix code words which are dependent on the values of the digital audio information are replaced by bits of suitably coded additional information.
  • the additional information is split off again on the playback side and the bit Digits filled with bits of appropriate validity from a substitution auxiliary signal source.
  • the digital audio signal 1 shows that part of the circuit arrangement in which additional digital information is inserted into the digital audio signals prior to transmission.
  • the digital audio signal 1 is first fed to a synchronization stage 2.
  • the digital audio signal is checked for the occurrence of certain, predetermined code words or certain, predetermined code word sequences. If such a code word or such a code word sequence is recognized, the synchronization stage 2 transmits a corresponding signal via its output 3 to the detection stage 4. Such a signal is given in the audio signal bit whenever a code word occurs Data signal bits to be replaced.
  • the detection stage 4, to which the digital audio signal is also fed via an input determines the value of each code word.
  • the detection stage 4 If a coincidence of a code word now occurs, which both exceeds a certain, predetermined value and which was additionally recognized by the synchronization stage 2 as a code word, that is to say that some bits are to be replaced by data bits, the detection stage 4 outputs 5 via its output a corresponding signal to the calculation circuit 6.
  • the detection stage 4 will generally be designed in such a way that it detects several different stages and outputs corresponding marked signals to the calculation stage 6.
  • the calculation stage 6 now uses a signal 7 at its output to control a changeover switch 8 in such a way that a signal is given to the changeover device 8 in the case of code words in which one or more least significant bits of the audio information are replaced by bits of the data information , which also specifies how much of the least significant bits of the respective code word are to be replaced by data bits. These bits of the digital audio signal are then replaced in the switch 8 by bits of additional digital information 9.
  • the code words are then available again at the output 10 of the switching device 8, but the least significant bits of the audio information in individual code words have now been replaced by bits of the additional digital information. After the output 10, these code words then pass through the transmission path.
  • This transmission link can be of very different types; e.g. a PCM broadcast transmission, a recording on PCM tape, a recording on a digital, optically readable disc or the like.
  • FIG. 2 shows the part of the block diagram of the circuit arrangement in which the signal coming from the transmission path and provided with additional information is decoded again, i.e. from which the data of the additional information are separated again and the corresponding points of the audio information are filled up again with other data, if necessary.
  • the signal 10 coming from the transmission path first arrives in a synchronization stage 11.
  • This synchronization stage 11 works in exactly the same way as synchronization stage 2 before the transmission path.
  • Certain code words or code word sequences are again searched for in the continuously transmitted code words and a corresponding pulse 12 is given to a detector 14 upon identification.
  • the function of this detector 14 is also identical to that of the detector 4 of the circuit arrangement before transmission.
  • the digital signal 10 coming from the transmission is also fed to the detector.
  • the detector determines its value and sends a corresponding signal 15 to the calculation stage 16. This, like the calculation stage 6 of the circuit arrangement according to FIG.
  • the calculation stage 16 determines the number of bits from the values of the respective code word, in which instead of digital Audio information bits of the additional information are located.
  • the calculation stage 16 outputs an output signal 17 to a changeover switch 20 and a combiner 19.
  • the changeover switch 20 is controlled by the calculation stage so that the additional information is available at an output 21 of the changeover switch. This is done by separating the bits in the changeover switch 20 which do not represent digital audio information but digital additional information and are in turn available as signal 21 as pure digital additional information.
  • the combiner 19 is also supplied with the digital signal 10 coming from the transmission path. In combiner 19, the same bits that were cut off in switch 20 are now replaced by new bits. These bits can advantageously be obtained from a digital noise source.
  • the output signal 22 of the combiner 19 thus again contains the original digital audio information, which, however, is superimposed by a subjectively non-disturbing noise signal at the points where additional information was inserted during the transmission.
  • FIG. 3 to 6 schematically show how, according to the first embodiment of the invention, one or more least significant bits of a code word sequence or individual code words can be replaced.
  • the representation of FIG. 3 , 4, 5 and 6 correspond to increasing values of the digitally coded audio signal, so the addition of additional information is shown in Fig. 3, as it could be done, for example, with relatively small values of the audio signal 4, the two least significant bits (2 ° and 2 ') are then replaced in every second code word as well, as shown in FIG then the insertion scheme according to FIG. 5.
  • the two least significant bits are replaced by data in every second code word -Bits of the additional information replaced, but also the least significant bit of the other code words. 6 then shows the maximum insertion quantity of data of the additional information selected in this example. The two least significant bits are now replaced in all code words.
  • 3 to 6 for a method according to the first embodiment of the invention is of course only one possibility. even with a lower level, only one bit is replaced in every third word and then with an increasing level in every third up to a maximum of three bits. Only then could e.g. in the remaining transmitted bits, first one bit and then up to a maximum of three bits are replaced by bits from an additional information source. Many other variations are conceivable. The choice of suitable parameters will depend on the one hand on the type of audio signal and on the other hand on the desired freedom from acoustic interference. For example, with an encoded amplitude value of: S the insertion of additional bits is completely omitted in order to leave the audio signal unadulterated at these critical, low levels.
  • FIG. 7 shows a linear signal flow which consists of successive blocks B, each block of which begins with a block synchronization SYN, to which the code words 1, 2, 3 ... 24 of the main information follow.
  • the last code word 24 of the main information is then followed by subcode information SC.
  • Block B is terminated with an error code information EC, which allows error correction within certain limits on the system output side when recovering the originally analog main information.
  • the main information is expediently arranged in 2-byte code words.
  • FIGS. 8 to 10 consists of four code word sequence sections I, 11, 111 and IV shown over time t.
  • the code words of the main information itself are indicated by arrows running from bottom to top with the ascending binary value 2 °, 2 ', 2 2 , 2 3 , 2 4 , ... 2 "of their bit positions.
  • Fig. 8 it is assumed that the code words of the main information are subdivided into code word groups CW1 with two successive code words in the code word follow sections I, II, 111 and IV. 9 and 10, the code word sequence of the main information is divided into code word groups CW2, each of which comprises three successive code words.
  • the code word sequence section I in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 is determined in that the additional information only takes up the least significant bit position 2 ° of a code word. This bit insertion is labeled BE and is highlighted by an asterisk.
  • the first code word of the code word group is therefore always an unchangeable reference code word, while the second, changeable code word forms the mix code word.
  • a code word group comprises more than two successive code words, for example three successive code words, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, then with increasing number of code words per code word group there are different possibilities of subdivision into reference code words and mix code words .
  • the first two code words of a code word group CW2 are reference code words and only the third code word is a mix code word.
  • the first code word is a reference code word and the second and third code word of the code word group CW2 is a mix code word.
  • the codeword sections II, 111 and IV differ from the codeword section I in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 only in that more than one bit of the additional information is accommodated in the mixcode words.
  • bit group insertion is called BGE in each case.
  • the bit positions 2 ° and 2 1 in the mix code words are occupied with bits of additional information.
  • the bit group insertion comprises the bit positions 2 °, 2 1 and 2 2 and in the code word sequence section IV the least significant four bit positions 2 °, 2 1 , 2 2 and 2 3 .
  • the options for accommodating the additional information in the successive code words of the main information shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 represent only a small selection of the options available per se.
  • the greater the possibility of variation the greater the Number of code words combined in a code word group.
  • the system input side SE and the system output side SA according to FIG. 11 for carrying out the measures described in connection with FIGS. 8 to 10 for carrying out the method according to the second embodiment of the invention for accommodating additional information in a predetermined block format each have a clock center TZ with a Word clock for the main information T1, a bit clock for the main information T2, a bit clock for the additional information T3 and a block synchronization pulse train T4.
  • the use of these cycles in the individual assemblies is in each case expressed by an arrow in connection with the reference symbol for the cycle in question.
  • the main analog information H-SIG / A is fed to the input of the analog-digital converter AD, which outputs the digital main information H-SIG / C on the output side to the double-sided switch Ue on the input side, specifically at the upper switching contacts of the upper of the two switches.
  • the additional signal Z-SIG which is already in digital form, is fed via the input-side buffer BMe to the lower switch contact of the upper of the two switches of the input-side double switch Ue.
  • the double switch Ue on the input side is switched from the drawn switching position of its two switches to their switching position (not shown) for the duration of the insertion process switched.
  • the buffer BMe receives the bit clock of the main information T2 as a read clock, while at the same time the additional information in the buffer BMe is fed to the block encoder BC connected downstream of it via the upper changeover switch of the double switch Ue on the input side.
  • the format of the block B is determined in accordance with FIG. 7 and the formatted digital signal is then made available to the system output side SA.
  • the system output side SA has the block decoder BD, to which the word splitter WA is connected.
  • the word splitter WA At the output of the word splitter WA, at which now only the code word sequence of the main information with the additional information accommodated therein occurs, the reference code words and the mix code words reconstructed with regard to the main information content are now given to the digital-to-analog converter D by appropriate control of the multiple switch Ua on the output side / A and the additional information are fed to the output-side buffer BMa.
  • the recovered main analog information H-SIG / A is then available at the output of the digital / analog converter D / A and the additional digital signal Z-SIG is available at the output of the output-side buffer BMa.
  • the control of the two-way switch Ue on the input side on the system input side SE and the multiple-switch Ua on the output side on the system output side SA is the division by defining the subdivision of the code word sequence of the main information within block B according to FIG. 7 into code word groups a code word group in reference code words and mix code words and by the number of low-order bits to be replaced of the code words to be mixed by bits of the additional information.
  • the combiner KR to which the digital additional signal Z-SIG is fed in addition to other signals.
  • the combiner KR has three connections a, b, c, of which at connection a a signal about the number of reference code words per code word group, at connection b a signal indicating the number of code words per code word group, and at the connection c a signal indicating the number of bits of additional information per mix code word can be taken.
  • the signal c can also be obtained from the value of the current code words, the signal c also being selected as a function of the level of the values.
  • the combiner KR is additionally supplied with the signal H-SIG / A, which is continuously detected and from which the signal c is derived when predetermined values of the code words are recognized.
  • a signal UM is fed to the combiner KR to switch over the two operating modes to obtain the signal c.
  • the output connections a and b of the KR combiner are connected to the corresponding input-side connections a and b of the word location transmitter WG, which always outputs a binary one at its output-side connection d to the one input of the control signal transmitter consisting of an AND element when it detects the occurrence of a mix code word.
  • the output-side connection c of the combiner KR is connected to the corresponding input-side connection c of the bit transmitter BG, which in turn always has a binary one at its output-side connection f, which is connected to the second input of the control signal generator SG, which is an AND element outputs if a low-order bit position of a mix code word is to be replaced by a bit of additional information.
  • the control signal generator SG always gives a changeover signal at its output to the double switch Ue on the input side, if in a mix code word occurring either the least significant or two and more low order bits of this code word are to be replaced by bits of the additional information.
  • the system input side SE also has a sub-information encoder SRC, which receives the auxiliary information HI from an auxiliary information source HQ on the input side and also the signal present at the output-side connections a, b and c of the coordinator KR.
  • the sub-information encoder SRC merges the information supplied to it on the input side into the sub-code information SC according to FIG. 7 and forwards it on the output side for insertion into blocks B to the block encoder BC.
  • the system output side SA is advantageously informed of the currently sent reference or mixed code word configuration.
  • the sub-information decoder SRD receives the sub-code information from the output of the block decoder BD and outputs the auxiliary information HI to the auxiliary information receiver HE and further signals to the input-side connections a, b, c, the word transmitter WG and the bit transmitter BG .
  • These further signals correspond to the signals at the output connections a, b and c of the coordinator KR on the system output side SA.
  • two operating modes are provided, namely firstly a fixedly predetermined number of low-order bits that are replaced in a code word, and secondly a dependency of the number of bits to be replaced on the value of the code word.
  • the subinformation decoder RD is also supplied with a changeover signal UM which controls the changeover of the two operating modes for calculating the signal c.
  • the control signal generator SG always switches the output-side multiple switch Ua when a bit position of a mix code word occurs that is occupied by a bit of the additional information.
  • the additional information is derived from the mix code words by means of the middle switch contact of the multiple switch Ua on the output side and fed to the buffer BMa on the output side.
  • the lowermost changeover contact of the multiple switch Ua on the output side ensures that whenever a bit of additional information is supplied to the output side buffer BMa, the bit clock of the main information T2 is present on the output side buffer BMa as the read clock.
  • the bit clock of the additional information T3 is effective as the read clock for the output-side buffer BMa, so that the digital additional signal Z-SIG can be taken off continuously at the output.
  • bits of suitable value of the substitution source SQ can be inserted into the mix code words as replacement.
  • the bits to be inserted into the mix code words for the reconstruction of the mix code words as a replacement for the bits of the additional information can be bits of suitable value of a substitution auxiliary signal source, for example a dither oscillator.
  • the changeover switch U is controlled for the operating mode in which the number of replaced, least significant bits depends on the coded amplitude value of the code word, via the output of the AND gate AND 0, at the first input of which the signal at the output of the control signal generator SG , at the second input of which the output signal of the comparison VO and at the third input of which the UM signal for operating mode changeover is present.
  • the comparator VO compares the code word occurring at the output of the word splitter WA with reference code words or code word sequence criteria supplied by the reference value memory MO.
  • the comparator VO outputs a binary one to the associated input of the AND element AND 0 whenever the bit of a code word present at the word divider output has been recognized by the reference value memory MO as an additional information bit.
  • bits of suitable value are then fed to the substitution auxiliary signal source in the digital-to-analog converter D / A via the uppermost switch contact of the multiple switch Ua on the output side and bits containing the additional information at the output of word splitter WA to the output-side buffer BMA via the middle switch contact of switch UA.
  • the substitution signal generator SS supplies the bit positions of the assigned mix code words to be replaced for the second operating mode via its output connection h. It receives the reference code words of the successive code word groups via the input connection g from the output of the word splitter WA and via the connection k the bit clock of the main information T2 fed. Furthermore, via its input-side connection a, it receives from the subcode decoder SRD the information required for the substitution to be made about the number of reference code words per code word group. The substitution signal generator SS receives further information from the output-side connections x and y of the word position generator WG.
  • Fig. 12 shows the more detailed block diagram for a word location generator WG. It consists of the two counters Z1 and Z2, the two comparators V1 and V2, the OR gate OR, AND gate AND1 and the inverter 11.
  • the counter Z1 who receives the word clock of the main information T1 on the input side, the successive code words are counted and by means of the information supplied via the input side connection b regarding the number of code words per code word group in the comparator V1, it is determined when the counter Z1 has counted a code word group.
  • the response of the comparator V1 leads to a reset signal of the counter Z1 from the output of the comparator V1 via the OR gate OR to the reset input r of the counter Z1.
  • the output signal of the comparator V1 is fed to the reset input r of the counter Z2, the counting input of which is always supplied with the clock pulses of the word clock of the main information T1 via the AND gate AND1, as long as the comparator V2 does not respond and therefore no output signal from this comparator via the Inverter 11 at the second input of the AND gate UND1 takes effect.
  • the comparator V2 to which the number of reference code words per code word group and the other input of which the output signal of the counter Z2 is supplied via the input-side connection a of the word location transmitter WG at one input, responds as soon as it receives the number of the reference code words in a code word.
  • the output connection d is always activated in the time interval of the occurrence of a mix code word.
  • the block diagram of the bit. - Make encoder BG of Fig 13 has a circuit structure similar to the word locations transmitter WG of Figure 12. It has via the counter C3, comparator V3, the AND gate AND2 and the inverter 12.
  • the word clock of the main information T1. fed to the reset input r of the counter Z3 and resets it to its starting position at the beginning of a word clock.
  • the output signal of the inverted counter Z3 is compared with the information indicating the number of bits of additional information per mix code word at the input terminal c in the comparator V3, and the output of the comparator V3 is activated as soon as this number of bits is reached.
  • the output-side connection f of the bit position transmitter BG which is identical to the output of the comparator V3, is always activated in the time intervals in which predetermined bit positions of mix code words to be filled with bits of the additional information occur.
  • the method according to the invention can be used wherever further information is also to be processed within the specified block format in the course of processing digital information in a specified block format.
  • the application of the method is advantageous in the case of sound information to be stored in digital form on optically readable plate-shaped information carriers, which sound information is also to be provided with image information.

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of transmitting audio information in digital form, in which for the transmission of additional information in digital form data bits of said additional information replace one or a plurality of least significant bits in every nth code word of the audio information. For this purpose one or a plurality of least significant bits of the audio information in every nth code word is/are replaced in predetermined manner by additional information bits, the number of bits being replaced depending on the value of the instantaneous code word of the audio information. This dependence is such that for larger values of the audio information more bits are replaced than for smaller values.

Description

Verfahren zur Übertragung von Audio-Information und Zusatzinformation in digitaler Form.Process for the transmission of audio information and additional information in digital form.

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren zur Übertragung von Audio-Information in digitaler Form, bei dem einer vorgegebenen Anzahl von Codeworten, jeweils einen Abtastwert eines analogen Audio-Signals darstellt, und bei dem zur zusätzlichen Übertragung einer Zusatzinformation in digitaler Form in jedem n-ten Codewort ein oder mehr niedrigstwertige Bits der digitalen Audio-Information durch Bits oler Zusatzinformation ersetzt werden, wobei n eine natürliche, ganze Zahl größer Null ist.The invention relates to a method for transmitting audio information in digital form, in which a predetermined number of code words each represents a sample of an analog audio signal, and in which additional information is transmitted in digital form in every n one or more least significant bits of the digital audio information are replaced by bits or additional information, where n is a natural, integer greater than zero.

Bei der Bearbeitung, Speicherung und Wiedergabe, sowie bei der Übertragung von digitalen Breitbandsignalen besteht oftmals keine Möglichkeit, den vorgegebenen Rahmen für das zu bearbeitende, abzuspeichernde, wiederzugebende oder zu übertragende Signal für die Aufnahme zusätzlicher Informationen zu modifizieren. Ein solcher Wunsch besteht z.B. oftmals bei der Übertragung digitaler Audio-Informationen, z.B. Abspeicherung solcher Informationen auf optisch auslesbaren plattenförmigen Informationsträgern, wie z.B. CD. Es besteht dort nämlich der Wunsch, zusätzlich zu den digitalen Audio-Daten auch noch Zusatzinformationen, wie z.B. Schriftzeichen oder Bilder zu übertragen. Das Aufzeichnungsmodus und die Art der Codierung für sämtliche Informationen, z.B. bei einem solchen Informationsträger, bereits festliegen, müssen zusätzlich aufzunehmende Informationen in die bestehenden Übertragungskanäle eingefügt werden.When processing, storing and reproducing, as well as when transmitting digital broadband signals, there is often no possibility of modifying the predefined frame for the signal to be processed, stored, reproduced or transmitted in order to accommodate additional information. Such a wish is e.g. often when transmitting digital audio information, e.g. Storage of such information on optically readable plate-shaped information carriers, e.g. CD. There is a desire to add additional information to the digital audio data, such as Transfer characters or images. The recording mode and the type of coding for all information, e.g. with such an information carrier, are already determined, additional information to be recorded must be inserted into the existing transmission channels.

Nach dem Stand der Technik werden zu diesem Zwecke ein oder mehrere der niedrigstwertigen Bits einer digitalen Information durch Daten einer Zusatzinformation ersetzt. Es gibt dabei verschiedene Möglichkeiten, wie dies geschehen kann. So ist es z.B. aus der EP-A 058 482 bekannt, wenigstens zwei der niedrigstwertigen Bits der Abtastwerte einer Audio-Information zur Übertragung einer Zusatzinformation heranzuziehen, wobei eines der Bits die Daten repräsentiert und das andere ein Kontrollbit darstellt. Dieses Ersetzen der ursprünglichen Daten wird dabei in jedem Codewort, d.h. also bei jedem Abtastwert vorgenommen.According to the prior art, one or more of the least significant bits of digital information are replaced by data of additional information for this purpose. There are various ways in which this can be done. So it is e.g. known from EP-A 058 482 to use at least two of the least significant bits of the samples of audio information for the transmission of additional information, one of the bits representing the data and the other representing a control bit. This replacement of the original data is done in every code word, i.e. that is, made with each sample.

Ferner ist aus der GB-A 20 63 018 ein System zur Übertragung von digitalen Abtastwerten eines Sprachsignals bekannt, bei dem in jedem Abtastwert das niedrigstwertige Bit durch ein Bit einer Zusatzinformation ersetzt wird.Furthermore, from GB-A 20 63 018 a system for the transmission of digital samples of a speech signal is known, in which in each sample the least significant bit is replaced by a bit of additional information.

Diese beiden Verfahren ersetzen also ein oder mehr niedrigstwertige Bits der Audio-Information durch Daten-Bits einer Zusatzinformation. Bei diesen Verfahren sind jedoch zum einen nur relativ kleine Datenmengen der Zuatzinformation übertragbar, und zum anderen ist bei sehr kleinem Pegel des Audio-Signals eine Störung nicht völlig auszuschließen, da dann quasi nur noch die Zusatzinformationen über den Tonkanal übertragen werden und auf der Wiedergabeseite hörbar werden können.These two methods therefore replace one or more least significant bits of the audio information with data bits of additional information. With these methods, on the one hand, only relatively small amounts of data of the additional information can be transmitted, and on the other hand, a malfunction cannot be completely ruled out when the audio signal is at a very low level, since then only the additional information is transmitted via the audio channel and can be heard on the playback side can be.

Aus der DE-OS 28 04 150 ist ein Verfahren zum Übertragen pulscode-modulierter Analogsignale bekannt, bei dem in jedem Unterrahmen bei dem Codewort mit der kleinsten absoluten Amplitude ein Zusatzbit einer Zusatzinformation an die Stelle des geringstwertigen Bits der Abtastprobe tritt. Bei diesem Verfahren sind besonders starke, hörbare Störungen im Tonkanal zu erwarten, da gerade an kritischen Stellen, d.h. bei kleinem Pegel des Audio-Signals, Zusatzinformation im Tonkanal übertragen und damit hörbar wird.From DE-OS 28 04 150 a method for transmitting pulse code-modulated analog signals is known, in which an additional bit of additional information takes the place of the least significant bit of the sample in each subframe for the code word with the smallest absolute amplitude. With this method, particularly strong, audible disturbances in the sound channel are to be expected, since it is precisely at critical points, i.e. If the audio signal is at a low level, additional information is transmitted in the audio channel and can thus be heard.

Es ist Aufgabe der Erfindung, ein Verfahren zur Übertragung von Zusatzinformationen in digitaler Form in einem digitalen Audio-Kanal zu schaffen, das die Übertragung möglichst vieler Zusatzinformationen bei gleichzeitig akustisch möglichst unauffälliger Störung des Audio-Kanals ermöglicht.It is an object of the invention to provide a method for transmitting additional information in digital form in a digital audio channel, which enables the transmission of as much additional information as possible with a disturbance of the audio channel that is acoustically as inconspicuous as possible.

Diese Aufgabe ist erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß die Zahl der ersetzten Bits abhängig ist vom codierten Amplitudenwert des jeweiligen Codewortes der Audio-Information derartig, das bei einem Überschreiten größerer, vorgegeben Referenzwerte mehr Bits ersetzt werten als bei einem Überschreiten kleinerer, vorgegebener Referenzwerte.This object is achieved according to the invention in that the number of bits replaced is dependent on the coded amplitude value of the respective code word of the audio information such that more bits are replaced when larger, predetermined reference values are exceeded than when smaller, predetermined reference values are exceeded.

Bei diesem Verfahren werden also in jedem n-ten, vorzugsweise jedem zweiten, Codewort ein oder mehr niedrigstwertige Bits der Audio-Information durch Bits der Zusatzinformation ersetzt. Dies geschieht in der Weise, daß die Zahl der erstzten Bits abhängig ist von dem codierten Amplitudenwert des digitalen Audio-Signals. Der codierte Amplitudenwert des digitalen Audio-Signals entspricht einem analogen Spannungswert des wieder in den analogen Bereich zurückgewandelten Audio-Signals auf der System-Empfangsseite. Es werden also bei relativ großen codierten Amplitudenwerten des digitalen Audio-Signals, d.h. also im analogen Bereich bei relativ großen Spannungen, ein oder mehr niedrigstwertige Bits der Audio-Information durch Daten-Bits der Zusatzinformation ersetzt. Dies führt dazu, daß bei sehr kleinem Pegel des analogen Audio-Signals und entsprechenden codierten Amplitudenwerten des digitalen Audio-Signals keine Zusatzinformation oder nur sehr selten in einem Bit eine Zusatzinformation übertragen wird. Mit steigendem Pegel des analogen Signals, erkennbar an den entsprechenden codierten Amplitudenwerten des digitalen Audio-Signals, werden dann zunehmend mehr niedrigstwertige Bits in jedem n-ten Codewort ersetzt. Die Parameter sind dabei frei wählbar, müssen jedoch vor und hinter der Übertragungsstrecke, d.h. hinter der Analog-Digitalwandlung und vor der Digital-Analogwandlung, gleich gewählt werden.In this method, one or more least significant bits of the audio information are therefore replaced by bits of the additional information in every nth, preferably every second, code word. This is done in such a way that the number of bits replaced depends on the coded amplitude value of the digital audio signal. The coded amplitude value of the digital audio signal corresponds to an analog voltage value of the audio signal converted back into the analog range on the system reception side. With relatively large coded amplitude values of the digital audio signal, i.e. So in the analog range at relatively high voltages, one or more least significant bits of the audio information are replaced by data bits of the additional information. This means that when the level of the analog audio signal is very low and the coded amplitude values of the digital audio signal are corresponding, no additional information or only very rarely additional information is transmitted in one bit. With increasing level of the analog signal, recognizable by the corresponding coded amplitude values of the digital audio signal, more and more least significant bits are then replaced in every nth code word. The parameters are freely selectable, but must be in front of and behind the transmission link, i.e. behind the analog-to-digital conversion and before the digital-to-analog conversion.

Nach einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, daß bei einem Überschreiten vorgegebener Werte der Codeworte zusätzlich zu jedem n-ten Codewort auch in den übrigen Codeworten, je nach Größe des überschrittenen codierten Amplitudenwertes, ein oder mehr niedrigstwertige Bits der digitalen Audio-Information durch Bits der Zusatzinformation ersetzt werden, wobei in vorgegebener Weise bei einem Überschreiten größerer, vorgegebener Referenzwerte mehr Bits ersetzt werden als bei einem Überschreiten kleinerer, vorgegebener Referenzwerte, die wenigstens in der Mehrzahl größer sind als die Referenzwerte zum Ersetzen niedrigstwertiger Bits in jedem n-ten Codewort.According to a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that, if predetermined values of the code words are exceeded, in addition to every nth code word also in the other code words, depending on the size of the exceeded coded amplitude value, one or more least significant bits of the digital audio information are replaced by bits of the additional information, with more bits being replaced in a predetermined manner when larger, predetermined reference values are exceeded than when smaller, predetermined reference values are exceeded, which are at least larger than the reference values for replacing least significant bits in every nth code word.

Das oben beschriebene Ersetzen der niedrigstwertigen Bits in jedem n-ten Codewort kann auch in den dazwischenliegenden Worten vorgenommen werden. Auch hier werden mit zunehmendem Pegel des Audio-Signals mehr niedrigstwertige Bits des Audio-Signals durch Bits der Zusatzinformation ersetzt. Es hat sich als akustisch vorteilhaft erwiesen, zunächst in jedem n-ten Codewort z.B. ein bis zwei niedrigstwertige Bits zu ersetzen und die vorgegebenen Referenzwerte für das Einfügen weiterer Bits in den dazwischenliegenden Codeworten höher anzusetzen, so daß also mit zunehmendem Pegel derAudio-Information zunächst in jedem n-ten Codewort z.B. die zwei niedrigstwertigen Bits ersetzt werden und dann bei weiter ansteigendem Pegel schließlich zunächst ein, zwei, dann z.B. maximal drei niedrigstwertige Bits der übrigen Codeworte, die die digitale Audio-Information enthalten, durch Datenbits der Zusatzinformation ersetzt werden.The replacement of the least significant bits in every nth code word described above can also be carried out in the words in between. Here too, as the level of the audio signal increases, more least significant bits of the audio signal are replaced by bits of the additional information. It has proven to be acoustically advantageous, first in every nth code word e.g. to replace one or two least significant bits and to set the specified reference values for the insertion of further bits higher in the intermediate code words, so that with increasing level of audio information, e.g. in every nth code word e.g. the two least significant bits are replaced and then, if the level continues to rise, finally one, two, then e.g. A maximum of three least significant bits of the other code words, which contain the digital audio information, are replaced by data bits of the additional information.

Nach einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, daß der Zähltakt für die Zahl n bei jedem Erscheinen fester, vorgegebener Werte der Codewort neu startet und zyklisch weiterläuft bis zum nächsten Erscheinen der vorgegebenen Codeworte, die den Zähltakt wieder neu starten.According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the counting cycle for the number n restarts each time fixed, predetermined values appear and continues cyclically until the next appearance of the predetermined code words that restart the counting cycle.

Zur Identifikation derjenigen Codeworte, in denen niedrigstwertige Bits durch Daten-Bits ersetzt werden, ist eine Art Synchronisation notwendig. Diese wird in der Weise vorgenommen, daß bei vorgegebenen Werten der Codeworte bzw. bei vorgegebenen Folgen von Werten der Codeworte der Zähltakt zur Identifikation der manipulierten Codeworte neu startet. Dies bedeutet z.B., daß beim Erkennen eines bestimmten Code-Wortes oder eine bestimmten Codewort-Folge der Zähltakt neu startet und von diesem Codewort an in jedem n-ten Codewort die niedrigstwertigen Bits durch Daten-Bits ersetzt. Bei einem erneuten Erscheinen der vorgegebenen Werte der Codeworte oder einer vorgegebenen Folge von Codeworten startet der Zähltakt von neuem, so daß immer wieder eine Aufsynchronisation des Zähltaktes stattfindet und evtl. Fehler sich in der Übertragung und daraus resultierender falscher Identifikation der Codewörter nur eine begrenzte Zeit, nämlich bis zum nächsten neuen Aufsynchronisieren des Zähltaktes störend auswirken kann.A kind of synchronization is necessary to identify those code words in which the least significant bits are replaced by data bits. This is carried out in such a way that the counting cycle for identifying the manipulated code words restarts for given values of the code words or for given sequences of values of the code words. This means, for example, that when a certain code word or a certain code word sequence is recognized, the counting cycle restarts and from this code word the least significant bits are replaced by data bits in every nth code word. When the specified values of the code words or a specified sequence of code words reappear, the counting cycle starts again, so that the counting cycle is synchronized again and again and errors in the transmission and resulting incorrect identification of the codewords only last a limited time, namely until the next new synchronization of the counter clock can have a disruptive effect.

Nach einer weiteren Ausgestaltung des Verfahrens ist vorgesehen, daß nach der Übertragung die Daten-Bits der Zusatzinformation von den Daten-Bits der Audio-Information abgetrennt werden und die freigewordenen Bits der Audio-Information mit Bits eines digitalen Rauschoszillators belegt werden.According to a further embodiment of the method, it is provided that after the transmission the data bits of the additional information are separated from the data bits of the audio information and the bits of the audio information which have become free are occupied with bits of a digital noise oscillator.

Das Verfahren nutzt den Verdeckungseffekt des Ohres zur Übertragung zusätzlicher Information aus. Dieser Verdeckungseffekt bewirkt, daß bei relativ lauten Pegeln eines Tonsignals kleinere Störungen für das Gehör nicht so deutlich hörbar werden. Unter bestimmten Bedingungen kann es dennoch vorteilhaft sein, die in die Toninformation eingefügten Dateninformationen nicht in dem Tonsignal zu belassen, sondern durch ein anderes Signal zu ersetzen. Hierbei hat sich ein Rauschsignal als vorteilhaft erwiesen. Das Ersetzen der Daten-Bits z.B. durch Rauschsignale ist im Regelfalle nicht erforderlich, wenn die Bits der Zusatzinformation so verteilt sind, daß sie auf das Ohr akustisch wie eine Rauschsignal wirken.The method uses the masking effect of the ear to transmit additional information. This masking effect means that at relatively loud levels of a sound signal, minor disturbances for the hearing are not so clearly audible. Under certain conditions, it may nevertheless be advantageous not to leave the data information inserted into the sound information in the sound signal, but to replace it with another signal. A noise signal has proven to be advantageous here. The replacement of the data bits e.g. by noise signals is usually not necessary if the bits of additional information are distributed so that they act acoustically on the ear like a noise signal.

Eine weitere Ausführungsform der Erfindung wirol dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Codeworte, zusammen mit einer Synchronisierinformation einer Subcode-Information und gegebenenfalls einer Fehlercode-Information zu Blöcken fest vorgegebener Länge zusammengefügt sind, wobei das Verfahren die Folgenden Schritte enthält:

  • A. auf der Systemeingangsseite,
    • a. Unterteilen der in dem Block aufeinanderfolgenden Codeworte der Hauptinformation in mehrere gleiche Codewortgruppen mit jeweils unmittelbar aufeinanderfolgenden Codeworten,
    • b. Unterteilen jeder Codewortgruppe in hinsichtlich ihres Informationsinhaltes unveränderbare Bezugscodeworte und veränderbare Mixcodeworte, von denen vorzugsweise die Bezugscodeworte den Anfang einer codewortgruppe bilden,
    • c. Ersetzen einer vorgegebenen oder vom Wert der digitalen Audio-Information abhängigen Anzahl der Bits niedrigster Wertigkeit der Mixcodeworte durch Bits einer geeignet codierten Zusatzinformation, wobei bei größeren Werten mehr Bits ersetzt werden als bei kleineren Werten,
  • B. auf der Systemausgangsseite,
    • a. Erkennen mittels der synchronisier information die zeitliche Lage der Bezugscodeworte und der Mixcodeworte der Codewortgruppen,
    • b. Abspalten der die Zusatzinformation darstellenden Bits von den Mixcodeworten und Auffüllen der so freigewordenen Bit-Stellen mit Bits geeigneter Wertigkeit einer Substitutionshilfssignalquelle,
    • c. Dekodieren einerseits der rekonstruierten Codeworte der Hauptinformation und andererseits der aus den Mixcodeworten zurückgewonnenen Zusatzinformation.
A further embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the code words, together with synchronization information, subcode information and possibly error code information, are combined to form blocks of a predetermined length, the method comprising the following steps:
  • A. on the system input side,
    • a. Subdivide the code words of the main information which follow one another in the block into several identical code word groups, each with code words which follow one another directly
    • b. Subdivide each code word group into reference code words which are unchangeable with regard to their information content and changeable mix code words, of which the reference code words preferably form the beginning of a code word group,
    • c. Replacing a predetermined number or the number of bits of lowest value of the mix code words, which is dependent on the value of the digital audio information, with bits of suitably coded additional information, more bits being replaced for larger values than for smaller values,
  • B. on the system output side,
    • a. Recognize the temporal position of the reference code words and the mix code words of the code word groups using the synchronized information,
    • b. Splitting off the bits representing the additional information from the mix code words and filling the bit positions thus freed up with bits of suitable value of a substitution auxiliary signal source,
    • c. Decoding, on the one hand, of the reconstructed code words of the main information and, on the other hand, of the additional information recovered from the mix code words.

Dieses Verfahren ist ausgerichtet auf die Unterbringung möglichst umfangreicher Zusatzinformationen in einem vorgegebenen Signalrahmen z.B. einer digitalen Audio-Platte (CD). Hierzu werden eine vorgegebene oder eine vom Werte der digitalen Audio-Information abhängige Anzahl der bits niedrigster Wertigkeit der Mixcodeworte durch Bits einer geeignet codierten Zusatzinformation ersetzt. Auf der Wiedergabeseite werden die Zusatzinformationen wieder abgespalten und die freigewordenen Bit-Stellen mit Bits geeigneter Wrtigkeit einer Substitutionshilfssignalquelle aufgefüllt.This method is aimed at accommodating as extensive additional information as possible in a given signal frame, for example a digital audio disc (CD). For this purpose, a predefined number or a number of bits of the lowest value of the mix code words which are dependent on the values of the digital audio information are replaced by bits of suitably coded additional information. The additional information is split off again on the playback side and the bit Digits filled with bits of appropriate validity from a substitution auxiliary signal source.

Dieses Verfahren ermöglicht bei digitalen Informationsplatten, z.B. Compact-Discs, beispielsweise die übertragung zusätzlicher Bildinformationen in dem an sich für die Toninformationen vorgesehenen Übertragungskanal. Auf der Systemausgangsseite werden die durch Zusatzinformationen beeinträchtigen Codeworte der Hauptinformation, obwohl diese Beeinträchtigung mit großer Wahrscheinlichkeit unhörbar bleibt, noch zusätzlich in der Weise verändert, daß diese Codeworte mit Bits geeigneter Wertigkeit einer Substitutionshilfsquelle wieder vervollständigt werden.With digital information discs, e.g. Compact discs, for example the transmission of additional image information in the transmission channel provided for the sound information. On the system output side, the code words of the main information impaired by additional information, although this impairment remains inaudible with a high probability, are additionally changed in such a way that these code words are completed again with bits of suitable value of a substitution auxiliary source.

Zweckmäßige Ausgestaltungen dieser Ausführungsform des Verfahrens sind in den weiteren Patentansprüchen 7 bis 11 angegeben.Advantageous embodiments of this embodiment of the method are specified in the further claims 7 to 11.

Die Erfindung wird anhand der Zeichnung näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 das Blockschaltbild einer Schaltungsanordnung zum Einfügen Zusatzinformationen in digitale Audio-Informationen nach der ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
  • Fig. 2 ein Blockschaltbild der Ausführungsform nach Fig. 1, jedoch für die Wiedergabeseite,
  • Fig. 3 bis 6 einige Beispiele zur Einfügung de Zusatzinformation in Codeworte der Audio-Information nach der ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
  • Fig. 7 einen für digitale Audio-Signale üblichen, duch aufeinanderfolgende Blöcke vorgegebenen Formats festgelegten Signalfluß,
  • Fig. 8 bis 10 eine schematische Darstellung verschiedener Möglichkeit der Einfügung der Zusatzinformation in Codeworte der Hauptinformation nach der zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
  • Fig. 11 die Blockschaltbild-Darstellung der Ein- und Ausgangsseite eines von dem Verfahren nach der zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung Gebrauch machenden Systems,
  • Fig. 12 das nähere Einzelheiten aufweisende Blockschaltbild eines Wortstellengebers nach Fig. 11,
  • Fig. 13 das nähere Einzelheiten darstellende Blockschaltbild eines Bit-Stellengebers nach Fig. 11.
The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. Show it:
  • 1 shows the block diagram of a circuit arrangement for inserting additional information into digital audio information according to the first embodiment of the invention,
  • 2 is a block diagram of the embodiment of FIG. 1, but for the playback side,
  • 3 to 6 show some examples for inserting the additional information into code words of the audio information according to the first embodiment of the invention,
  • 7 shows a signal flow which is customary for digital audio signals and is defined by a predetermined format by successive blocks,
  • 8 to 10 show a schematic representation of various possibilities for inserting the additional information in code words of the main information according to the second embodiment of the invention,
  • 11 shows the block diagram representation of the input and output side of a system making use of the method according to the second embodiment of the invention,
  • FIG. 12 shows the block diagram of a word location transmitter according to FIG. 11, which has further details; FIG.
  • FIG. 13 shows the block diagram of a bit position transmitter according to FIG. 11, which shows further details.

In den Fig. 1 und 2 sind die Blockschalbilder einer Schaltungsanordnung dargestellt, die nach der ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung arbeitet.1 and 2, the block diagrams of a circuit arrangement are shown, which operates according to the first embodiment of the invention.

In Fig. 1 ist dabei jener Teil der Schaltungsanordnung dargestellt, in dem vor der Übertragung in die digitalen Audio-Signale digitale Zusatzinformationen eingefügt werden. Zu diesem Zwecke wird das digitale Audio-Signal 1 zunächst einer Synchronisierstufe 2 zugeführt. In dieser Synchronisierstufe 2 wird das digitale Audio-Signal auf das Auftreten bestimmter, vorgegebener Codeworte oder bestimmter, vorgegebener Codewort-Folgen überprüft. Wird ein solches Codewort oder eine solche Codwort-Folge erkannt, so gibt die Synchronisationsstufe 2 ein entsprechendes Signal über ihren Ausgang 3 an die Detektionsstufe 4. Ein solches Signal wird immer dann gegeben, wenn ein Codewort auftritt, in dem Audio-Signal-Bit durch Datensignal-Bits ersetzt werden sollen. Die Detektionsstufe 4, der über einen Eingang ebenfalls das digitale Audio-Signal zugeführt wird, bestimmt für jedes Codewort dessen Wert. Tritt nun ein Koizidenz eines Codewortes auf, das sowohl einen bestimmten, vorgegebenen Wert überschreitet und das zusätzlich von der Synchronisationsstufe 2 als ein Codewort erkannt wurde, indem also einige Bits durch Daten-Bits ersetzt werden sollen, so gibt die Detektionsstufe 4 über ihren Ausgang 5 ein entsprechendes Signal an die Berechnungsschaltung 6. Die Detektionsstufe 4 wird dabei im allgemein so ausgelegt sein, daß sie mehrere, verschiedene Stufen detektiert und entsprechenden markierte Signale an die Berechnungsstufe 6 gibt. Die Berechnungsstufe 6 steuert nun mittels eines Signals 7 an ihrem Ausgang einen Umschalter 8 in der Weise, daß bei Codeworten, in denen ein oder mehrere niedrigstwertige Bits der Audio-Information durch Bits der Dateninformation ersetzt werden sqllen, ein Signal an die Umschalteinrichtung 8 gegeben wird, das zusätzlich angibt, wie viel der niedrigstwertigen Bits des jeweiligen Codewortes durch Daten-Bits ersetzt werden sollen. In dem Umschalter 8 werden dann diese Bits des digitalen Audio-Signals durch Bits einer digitalen Zusatzinformation 9 ersetzt. An dem Ausgang 10 der Umschalteinrichtung 8 stehen dann die Codeworte wieder zur Verfügung, jedoch sind nun in einzelnen Codeworten die niedrigstwertigen Bits der Audio-Information durch Bits der digitalen Zusatzinformation ersetzt worden. Hinter dem Ausgang 10 durchlaufen dann diese Codeworte die Übertragungstrecke. Diese Übertragungsstrecke kann sehr verschiedener Art sein; es kann sich z.B. um eine PCM-RundfunkÜbertragung, eine Aufzeichnung auf PCM-Tonband, eine Aufzeichnung auf eine digitale, optisch auszulesende Platte oder ähnliches handeln.1 shows that part of the circuit arrangement in which additional digital information is inserted into the digital audio signals prior to transmission. For this purpose, the digital audio signal 1 is first fed to a synchronization stage 2. In this synchronization stage 2, the digital audio signal is checked for the occurrence of certain, predetermined code words or certain, predetermined code word sequences. If such a code word or such a code word sequence is recognized, the synchronization stage 2 transmits a corresponding signal via its output 3 to the detection stage 4. Such a signal is given in the audio signal bit whenever a code word occurs Data signal bits to be replaced. The detection stage 4, to which the digital audio signal is also fed via an input, determines the value of each code word. If a coincidence of a code word now occurs, which both exceeds a certain, predetermined value and which was additionally recognized by the synchronization stage 2 as a code word, that is to say that some bits are to be replaced by data bits, the detection stage 4 outputs 5 via its output a corresponding signal to the calculation circuit 6. The detection stage 4 will generally be designed in such a way that it detects several different stages and outputs corresponding marked signals to the calculation stage 6. The calculation stage 6 now uses a signal 7 at its output to control a changeover switch 8 in such a way that a signal is given to the changeover device 8 in the case of code words in which one or more least significant bits of the audio information are replaced by bits of the data information , which also specifies how much of the least significant bits of the respective code word are to be replaced by data bits. These bits of the digital audio signal are then replaced in the switch 8 by bits of additional digital information 9. The code words are then available again at the output 10 of the switching device 8, but the least significant bits of the audio information in individual code words have now been replaced by bits of the additional digital information. After the output 10, these code words then pass through the transmission path. This transmission link can be of very different types; e.g. a PCM broadcast transmission, a recording on PCM tape, a recording on a digital, optically readable disc or the like.

In Fig. 2 is der Teil des Blockschaltbildes de Schaltungsanordnung dargestellt, in dem das von der Übertragungsstrecke kommende, mit Zusatzinformation versehene Signal wieder decodiert wird, d.h. von dem die Daten der Zusatzinformation wieder abgetrennt werden und die entsprechenden Stellen der Audio-Information gegebenenfalls wieder mit anderen Daten aufgefüllt werden.2 shows the part of the block diagram of the circuit arrangement in which the signal coming from the transmission path and provided with additional information is decoded again, i.e. from which the data of the additional information are separated again and the corresponding points of the audio information are filled up again with other data, if necessary.

Das von der Übertragungsstrecke kommende Signal 10 gelangt dabei zunächst in eine Synchronisationsstufe 11. Diese Synchronisationsstufe 11 arbeitet genauso wie die Synchronisationsstufe 2 vor dem Übertragungsweg. Es werden also auch hier wieder bestimmte Codeworte oder Codewort-Folgen in den laufend übertragenen Codeworten gesucht und bei Identifikation ein entsprechender Impuls 12 an einen Detektor 14 gegeben. Dieser Detektor 14 ist in seiner Funktion ebenfalls identisch mit dem Detektor 4 der Schaltungsanordnung vor der Übertragung. Dem Detektor ist ebenfalls das von der Übertragung kommende digitale Signal 10 zugeführt. Der Detektor bestimmt bei einem durch den Synchronisator 11 bestimmten Codewort dessen Wert und gibt ein entsprechendes Signal 15 an die Berechnungsstufe 16. Diese bestimmt, genauso wie die Berechnungsstufe 6 der Schaltungsanordnung nach Fig. 1, aus dem Werte des jeweiligen Codewortes die Zahl der Bits, in denen sich statt der digitalen Audio-Information Bits der Zusatzinformation befinden. Die Berechnungsstufe 16 gibt ein Ausgangssignal 17 an einen Umschalter 20 und einen Kombinator 19. Der Umschalter 20 wird dabei von der Berechnungsstufe so gesteuert, daß die Zusatzinformationen an einem Ausgang 21 des Umschalters zur Verfügung stehen. Dies geschieht dadurch, daß in dem Umschalter 20 die Bits, die nicht digitale Audio-Information, sondern digitale Zusatzinformation darstellen, abgetrennt werden und als Signal 21 wiederum als reine digitale Zusatzinformation zur Verfügung stehen. Dem Kombinator 19 wird zusätzlich zum Ausgangssignal 17 der Berechnungsstufe 16 auch das vom Übertragungsweg kommende digitale Signal 10 zugeführt. Im Kombinator 19 werden nun die gleichen Bits, die im Umschalter 20 abgetrennt wurden, durch neue Bits ersetzt. Diese Bits können dabei vorteilhafterweise aus einer digitalen Rauschquelle gewonnen werden. Das Ausgangssignal 22 des Kombinators 19 enthält damit also wieder die originalen digitalen Audio-Informationen, die jedoch an den Stellen, in denen während der Übertragung ZusatzInformationen eingefügt waren, durch ein subjektiv nicht störendes Rauschsignal überlagert sind.The signal 10 coming from the transmission path first arrives in a synchronization stage 11. This synchronization stage 11 works in exactly the same way as synchronization stage 2 before the transmission path. Certain code words or code word sequences are again searched for in the continuously transmitted code words and a corresponding pulse 12 is given to a detector 14 upon identification. The function of this detector 14 is also identical to that of the detector 4 of the circuit arrangement before transmission. The digital signal 10 coming from the transmission is also fed to the detector. In the case of a code word determined by the synchronizer 11, the detector determines its value and sends a corresponding signal 15 to the calculation stage 16. This, like the calculation stage 6 of the circuit arrangement according to FIG. 1, determines the number of bits from the values of the respective code word, in which instead of digital Audio information bits of the additional information are located. The calculation stage 16 outputs an output signal 17 to a changeover switch 20 and a combiner 19. The changeover switch 20 is controlled by the calculation stage so that the additional information is available at an output 21 of the changeover switch. This is done by separating the bits in the changeover switch 20 which do not represent digital audio information but digital additional information and are in turn available as signal 21 as pure digital additional information. In addition to the output signal 17 of the calculation stage 16, the combiner 19 is also supplied with the digital signal 10 coming from the transmission path. In combiner 19, the same bits that were cut off in switch 20 are now replaced by new bits. These bits can advantageously be obtained from a digital noise source. The output signal 22 of the combiner 19 thus again contains the original digital audio information, which, however, is superimposed by a subjectively non-disturbing noise signal at the points where additional information was inserted during the transmission.

In den Fig. 3 bis 6 ist schematische dargestellt, wie nach der ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung ein oder mehrere niedrigstwertige Bits einer Codewort-Folge bzw. einzelner Codeworte ersetzt werden können. Es sind jeweils sechs aufeinanderfolgende Codeworte mit jeweils dem niedrigstwertigen Bit 2° bis zum höchstwertigen Bit 2" symbolisch dargestellt. Mit einem Kreuz markierte Bits stellen dabei Stellen dar, an denen die Bits der digitalen Audio-Information ersetzt wurden. Die Darstellung der Fig. 3, 4, 5 und 6 entspricht steigenden Werten des digital codierten Audio-Signals. In Fig. 3 ist also die Einfügung einer Zusatzinformation dargestellt, wie sie beispielsweise bei relativ kleinen Werten des Audio-Signals vorgenommen werden könnte. Es wird hier zunächst in jedem zweiten Codewort lediglich das niedrigstwertige Bit (2°) ersetzt. Bei steigendem Pegel werden dann, wie in Fig. 4 dargestellt, in ebenfalls jedem zweiten Codewort nunmehr jedoch die beiden niedrigstwertigen Bits (2° und 2') ersetzt. Bei weiter steigendem Pegel ergibt sich dann das Einfügungsschema nach Fig. 5. Es werden nun, ebenso wie in Fig. 4, in jedem zweiten Codewort die beiden niedrigstwertigen Bits durch Daten-Bits der Zusatzinformation ersetzt, zusätzlich jedoch auch das niedrigstwertige Bit der übrigen Codeworte. In Fig. 6 ist dann die in diesem Beispiel gewählte maximale Einfügangsmenge von Daten der Zustzinformation dargestellt. Es werden nunmehr in allen Codeworten die beiden niedrigstwertigen Bits ersetzt.3 to 6 schematically show how, according to the first embodiment of the invention, one or more least significant bits of a code word sequence or individual code words can be replaced. Six successive code words, each with the least significant bit 2 ° to the most significant bit 2 ", are symbolically represented. Bits marked with a cross represent positions at which the bits of the digital audio information have been replaced. The representation of FIG. 3 , 4, 5 and 6 correspond to increasing values of the digitally coded audio signal, so the addition of additional information is shown in Fig. 3, as it could be done, for example, with relatively small values of the audio signal 4, the two least significant bits (2 ° and 2 ') are then replaced in every second code word as well, as shown in FIG then the insertion scheme according to FIG. 5. Now, like in FIG. 4, the two least significant bits are replaced by data in every second code word -Bits of the additional information replaced, but also the least significant bit of the other code words. 6 then shows the maximum insertion quantity of data of the additional information selected in this example. The two least significant bits are now replaced in all code words.

Das in den Fig. 3 bis 6 dargestellte Schema für ein Verfahren nach der ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung stellt selbstverständlich nur eine Möglichkeit dar. Es könnten z.B. auch zunächst bei kleinerem Pegel lediglich in jedem dritten Wort ein Bit ersetzt werden und dann bei steigendem Pegel in ebenfalls jedem dritten bis zu maximal drei Bits ersetzt werden. Erst dann könnte z.B. in den übrigen übertragenen Bits zunächst ein Bit und dann bis maximal drei Bits durch Bits einer Zusatzinformationsquelle ersetzt werden. Es sind viele weitere Variationen denkbar. Die Wahl geeigneter Parameter wird zum einen von der Art des Audio-Signals und zum anderen von der gewünschten akustischen Störfreiheit abhängen. So kann z.B. bei einem codierten Amplitudenwert von :S das Einfügen von Zusatzbits völlig unterbleiben, um das Audio-Signal bei diesen kritischen, niedrigen Pegeln unverfälscht zu belassen.3 to 6 for a method according to the first embodiment of the invention is of course only one possibility. even with a lower level, only one bit is replaced in every third word and then with an increasing level in every third up to a maximum of three bits. Only then could e.g. in the remaining transmitted bits, first one bit and then up to a maximum of three bits are replaced by bits from an additional information source. Many other variations are conceivable. The choice of suitable parameters will depend on the one hand on the type of audio signal and on the other hand on the desired freedom from acoustic interference. For example, with an encoded amplitude value of: S the insertion of additional bits is completely omitted in order to leave the audio signal unadulterated at these critical, low levels.

Im folgenden wird anhand der Fig. 7 bis 13 eine Schaltung erläutert, welche nach der zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung arbeitet.A circuit which operates according to the second embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 13.

In Fig. 7 is ein linearer Signalfluß dargestellt, der aus aufeinanderfolgenden Blöcken B besteht, von denen jeder Block mit einer Blocksynchronisation SYN beginnt, an die sich die Codeworte 1, 2, 3 ... 24 der Hauptinformation anschließen. Dem letzten Codewort 24 der Hauptinformation folgt dann eine Subcode-Information SC. Der Block B wird abgeschlossen mit einer Fehlercode-Information EC, die auf der Systemausgangsseite bei der Rückgewinnung der ursprünglich analogen Hauptinformation in gewissen Grenzen eine Fehlerkorrektur ermöglicht. Zweckmäßig ist, wie in Fig. 1 angegeben, die Hauptinformation in 2 Byte langen Codeworten geordnet.FIG. 7 shows a linear signal flow which consists of successive blocks B, each block of which begins with a block synchronization SYN, to which the code words 1, 2, 3 ... 24 of the main information follow. The last code word 24 of the main information is then followed by subcode information SC. Block B is terminated with an error code information EC, which allows error correction within certain limits on the system output side when recovering the originally analog main information. As indicated in FIG. 1, the main information is expediently arranged in 2-byte code words.

Bei fest vorgegebenem Blockformat, wie es der Block B nach Fig. 7 darstellt, soll die noch unterzubringende Zusatzinformation im Bereich der Hauptinformation angesiedelt werden. Verschiedene Möglichkeiten sind in den Fig. 8 bis 10 schematisch dargestellt. Jede der Fig. 8 bis 10 besteht aus vier über der Zeit t dargestellten Codewort-Folgeabschnitten I, 11, 111 und IV. Die Codeworte der Hauptinformation selbst sind durch von unten nach oben verlaufende Pfeile mit der aufsteigenden binären Wertigkeit 2°, 2', 2 2, 2 3, 2 4, ... 2" ihrer Bit-Stellen angegeben.In the case of a fixed block format, as represented by block B according to FIG. 7, the additional information still to be accommodated is to be located in the area of the main information. Different possibilities are shown schematically in FIGS. 8 to 10. Each of FIGS. 8 to 10 consists of four code word sequence sections I, 11, 111 and IV shown over time t. The code words of the main information itself are indicated by arrows running from bottom to top with the ascending binary value 2 °, 2 ', 2 2 , 2 3 , 2 4 , ... 2 "of their bit positions.

Bei Fig. 8 ist davon ausgegangen, daß bei den Codewort-Folgeabschnitten I, II, 111 und IV die Codeworte der Hauptinformation in Codewort-Gruppen CW1 mit zwei aufeinanderfolgenden Codeworten unterteilt sind. Bei den Schemata nach den Fig. 9 und 10 ist die Codewort-Folge der Hauptinformation in Codewort- Gruppen CW2 unterteilt, die jeweils drei aufeinanderfolgende Codeworte umfassen. Der Codewort-Folgeabschnitt I in den Fig. 8, 9 und 10 ist dadurch bestimmt, daß die Zusatzinformationen lediglich die niedrigstwertige Bit-Stelle 2° eines Codewortes in Anspruch nimmt. Diese Bit-Einfügung ist entsprechend mit BE bezeichnet und durch ein Sternchen hervorgehoben. Bei den Codewort-Gruppen CW1 nach Fig. 8 ist somit immer das erste Codewort der Codewort-Gruppe ein unveränderbares Bezugscodewort, während das zweite, veränderbare Codewort das Mixcodewort bildet. Umfaßt eine Codewort-Gruppe (CW2) mehr als zwei aufeinanderfolgende Codeworte, also beispielsweise drei aufeinanderfolgende Codeworte, wie das die Fig. 9 und 10 zeigen, dann gibt es mit zunehmender Anzahl von Codeworten pro Codewort-Gruppe verschiedene Möglichkeiten der Unterteilung in Bezugscodeworte und Mixcodeworte. Bei dem Codewort-Folgeabschnitt I nach Fig. 9 sind die ersten beiden Codeworte einer Codewort-Gruppe CW2 Bezugscodeworte und lediglich das dritte Codewort ein Mixcodewort. Beim entsprechenden Codewort-Folgeabschnitt I nach Fig. 10 ist das erste Codewort ein Bezugscodewort und das zweite und dritte Codewort der Codewort-Gruppe CW2 ein Mixcodewort. Die Codewort-Folgeabschnitte II, 111 und IV unterscheiden sich vom Codewort-Folgeabschnitt I in den Fig. 8, 9 und 10 lediglich dadurch, daß in den Mixcodeworten jeweils mehr als ein Bit der Zusatzinformation untergebracht ist. Die Bit-Gruppeneinfügung ist jeweils BGE bezeichnet. Im Codewort-Folgeabschnitt sind in den Mixcodeworten jeweils die Bit-Stellen 2° und 21 mit Bits der Zusatzinformation besetzt. Im Codewort-Folgeabschnitt 111 umfaßt die Bit-Gruppeneinfügung die Bit-Stellen 2°, 21 und 22 und im Codewort-Folgeabschnitt IV die niedrigstwertigen vier Bit-Stellen 2°, 21, 22 und 23.In Fig. 8 it is assumed that the code words of the main information are subdivided into code word groups CW1 with two successive code words in the code word follow sections I, II, 111 and IV. 9 and 10, the code word sequence of the main information is divided into code word groups CW2, each of which comprises three successive code words. The code word sequence section I in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 is determined in that the additional information only takes up the least significant bit position 2 ° of a code word. This bit insertion is labeled BE and is highlighted by an asterisk. In the case of the code word groups CW1 according to FIG. 8, the first code word of the code word group is therefore always an unchangeable reference code word, while the second, changeable code word forms the mix code word. If a code word group (CW2) comprises more than two successive code words, for example three successive code words, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, then with increasing number of code words per code word group there are different possibilities of subdivision into reference code words and mix code words . 9, the first two code words of a code word group CW2 are reference code words and only the third code word is a mix code word. With the corresponding code word Sequence section I according to FIG. 10, the first code word is a reference code word and the second and third code word of the code word group CW2 is a mix code word. The codeword sections II, 111 and IV differ from the codeword section I in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 only in that more than one bit of the additional information is accommodated in the mixcode words. The bit group insertion is called BGE in each case. In the code word following section, the bit positions 2 ° and 2 1 in the mix code words are occupied with bits of additional information. In the code word sequence section 111, the bit group insertion comprises the bit positions 2 °, 2 1 and 2 2 and in the code word sequence section IV the least significant four bit positions 2 °, 2 1 , 2 2 and 2 3 .

Die in den Fig. 8, 9 und 10 dargestellten Möglichkeiten der Unterbringung der Zusatzinformation in den aufeinanderfolgenden Codeworten der Hauptinformation stellen nur eine kleine Auswahl der an sich vorhandenen Möglichkeiten dar. Wie schon darauf hingewiesen worden ist, wird die Variationsmöglichkeit um so größer je größer die Anzahl der in einer Codewort-Gruppe zusammengefaßten Codewort ist. Grundsätzlich besteht auch die Möglichkeit, bei mehreren Mixcodeworten innerhalb einer Codewort- Gruppe eine unterschiedliche Anzahl von niedrigwertigen Bit-Stellen für die Einfügung von Bits der Zusatzinformation zuzuordnen. Ferner besteht die Möglichkeit, die Anzahl der einzufügenden Bits einer Zusatzinformation von dem Wert der Hauptinformation abhängig zu machen.The options for accommodating the additional information in the successive code words of the main information shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 represent only a small selection of the options available per se. As has already been pointed out, the greater the possibility of variation, the greater the Number of code words combined in a code word group. In principle, there is also the possibility of assigning a different number of low-value bit positions for the insertion of bits of the additional information in the case of several mix code words within a code word group. It is also possible to make the number of bits of additional information to be inserted dependent on the value of the main information.

Die Systemeingangsseite SE und die Systemausgangsseite SA nach Fig. 11 zur Durchführung der im Zusammenhang mit den Fig. 8 bis 10 geschilderten Maßnahmen zur Durchführung des Verfahrens nach der zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung zur Unterbringung von Zusatzinformation in einem vorgegebenen Blockformat weisen jeweils eine Taktzentrale TZ mit einem Worttakt für die Hauptinformation T1, einen Bit-Takt für die Hauptinformation T2, einen Bit-Takt für die Zusatzinformation T3 und eine Blocksynchronisier-Impulsfolge T4 auf. Die Verwendung dieser Takte bei den einzelnen Baugruppen ist jeweils durch einen Pfeil in Verbindung mit dem Bezugszeichen für den betreffenden Takt zum Ausdruck gebracht. Die analoge Hauptinformation H-SIG/A wird dem Eingang des Analog-Digitalwandlers AD zugeführt, der ausgangsseitig die digitale Hauptinformation H-SIG/C an den eingangsseitigen Zweifach-Umschalter Ue abgibt, und zwar an den oberen Schaltkontakten des oberen der beiden Umschalter. Das bereits in digitaler Form vorliegende Zusatzisgnal Z-SIG wird über den eingangsseitigen Puffer BMe dem unteren Schaltkontakt des oberen der beiden Umschalter des eingangsseitigen Zweifach-Umschalters Ue zugeführt. Immer dann, wenn in einem Codewort der Hauptinformation ein oder mehrere Bits entsprechend den Fig. 8, 9 und 10 durch Bits der Zusatzinformation ersetzt werden sollen, wird der eingangsseitige Zweifach-Umschalter Ue von der gezeichneten Schaltstellung seiner beiden Umschalter in deren nicht bezeichnete Schaltstellung für die Dauer des Einfügungsvorganges umgeschaltet. Dabei erhält der Puffer BMe den Bit-Takt der Hauptinformation T2 als Auslesetakt, während gleichzeitig die Zusatzinformation im Puffer BMe über den oberen Umschalter des eingangsseitigen Zweifach-Umschalters Ue dem ihm nachgeschalteten Block-Codierer BC zugeführt wird. Im Block-Codierer BC wird das Format des Blocks B entsprechend Fig. 7 festgelegt und anschließend das formatierte digitale Signal der Systemausgangsseite SA zur Verfügung gestellt.The system input side SE and the system output side SA according to FIG. 11 for carrying out the measures described in connection with FIGS. 8 to 10 for carrying out the method according to the second embodiment of the invention for accommodating additional information in a predetermined block format each have a clock center TZ with a Word clock for the main information T1, a bit clock for the main information T2, a bit clock for the additional information T3 and a block synchronization pulse train T4. The use of these cycles in the individual assemblies is in each case expressed by an arrow in connection with the reference symbol for the cycle in question. The main analog information H-SIG / A is fed to the input of the analog-digital converter AD, which outputs the digital main information H-SIG / C on the output side to the double-sided switch Ue on the input side, specifically at the upper switching contacts of the upper of the two switches. The additional signal Z-SIG, which is already in digital form, is fed via the input-side buffer BMe to the lower switch contact of the upper of the two switches of the input-side double switch Ue. Whenever one or more bits in accordance with FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 are to be replaced by bits of additional information in a code word of the main information, the double switch Ue on the input side is switched from the drawn switching position of its two switches to their switching position (not shown) for the duration of the insertion process switched. The buffer BMe receives the bit clock of the main information T2 as a read clock, while at the same time the additional information in the buffer BMe is fed to the block encoder BC connected downstream of it via the upper changeover switch of the double switch Ue on the input side. In the block encoder BC, the format of the block B is determined in accordance with FIG. 7 and the formatted digital signal is then made available to the system output side SA.

Die Systemausgangsseite SA weist eingangsseitig den Block-Decodierer BD auf, an den sich der Wortaufteiler WA anschließt. Am Ausgang des Wortaufteilers WA, an dem nunmehr nur noch die Codewort-Folge der Hauptinformation mit der darin untergebrachten Zusatzinformation auftritt, werden nun durch entsprechende Steuerung des ausgangsseitigen Mehrfach-Umschalters Ua einerseits die Bezugscodeworte und die hinsichtlich des Hauptinformationsinhaltes rekonstruierten Mixcodeworte dem Digital-Analogumsetzer D/A und die Zusatzinformation dem ausgangsseitigen Puffer BMa zugeführt. Am Ausgang des Digital-Analogwandlers D/A steht dann die wiedergewonnene analoge Hauptinformation H-SIG/A und am Ausgang des ausgangsseitigen Puffer BMa das digitale Zusatzsignal Z-SIG zur weiteren Verfügung an.On the input side, the system output side SA has the block decoder BD, to which the word splitter WA is connected. At the output of the word splitter WA, at which now only the code word sequence of the main information with the additional information accommodated therein occurs, the reference code words and the mix code words reconstructed with regard to the main information content are now given to the digital-to-analog converter D by appropriate control of the multiple switch Ua on the output side / A and the additional information are fed to the output-side buffer BMa. The recovered main analog information H-SIG / A is then available at the output of the digital / analog converter D / A and the additional digital signal Z-SIG is available at the output of the output-side buffer BMa.

Die Steuerung des eingangsseitigen Zweifach-Umschalters Ue auf der Systemeingangsseite SE und des ausgangsseitigen Mehrfach-Umschalters Ua auf der Systemausgangsseite SA ist durch die Festlegung de Unterteilung der Codewort-Folge der Hauptinformation innerhalb des Blocks B nach Fig. 7 in Codewort- Gruppen, die Aufteilung einer Codewort-Gruppe in Bezugscodeworte und Mixcodeworte und durch die Anzahl der zu ersetzenden niedrigwertigen Bits der zu mixenden Codeworte durch Bits der Zusatzinformation bestimmt.The control of the two-way switch Ue on the input side on the system input side SE and the multiple-switch Ua on the output side on the system output side SA is the division by defining the subdivision of the code word sequence of the main information within block B according to FIG. 7 into code word groups a code word group in reference code words and mix code words and by the number of low-order bits to be replaced of the code words to be mixed by bits of the additional information.

Für die Erzeugung des Steuersignals für den eingangsseitigen Zweifach-Umschalter Ue sind verschiedene Baugruppen zuständig. Da ist zunächst der Kombinator KR, dem neben anderen Signalen auch das digitale Zusatzsignal Z-SIG zugeführt wird. Der Kombinator KR hat ausgangsseitig drei Anschlüsse a, b, c, von denen am Anschluß a ein Signal über die Anzahl der Bezugscodeworte pro Codewort-Gruppe, am Anschluß b ein Signal, das die Zahl der Codeworte pro Codewort-Gruppe angibt, und am Anschluß c ein Signal, das die Zahl der Bits der Zusatzinformation pro Mixcodewort angibt, abgenommen werden können. Das Signal c kann dabei alternativ auch aus dem Wert der laufenden Codeworte gewonnen werden, wobei in Abhängigkeit von der Höhe der Werte auch das Signal c gewähl wird. Zu diesem Zwecke ist dem Kombinator KR zusätzlich das Signal H-SIG/A zugeführt, das laufend detektieret wird und aus dem beim Erkennen von vorgegebenen Werten der Codeworte das Signal c abgeleitet wird. Zur Umschaltung der beiden Betriebsarten zur Gewinnung des Signals c wird dem Kombinator KR ein Signal UM zugeführt. Die ausgangsseitigen Anschlüsse a und b des Kombinators KR sind mit den entsprechenden eingangsseitigen Anschlüssen a und b des Wortstellengebers WG verbunden, der immer dann an seinem ausgangsseitigen Anschluß d eine binäre Eins an den einen Eingang des aus einem Und-Glied bestehenden Steuersignalgebers abgibt, wenn er das Auftreten eines Mixcodewortes erkennt. Der ausgangsseitige Anschluß c des Kombinators KR ist mit dem entsprechenden eingangsseitigen Anschluß c des Bit-Stellengebers BG verbunden, der seinerseits an seinem ausgangsseitigen Anschluß f, der mit dem zweiten Eingang des ein Und-Glied darstellenden Steuersignalgebers SG verbunden ist, immer dann eine binäre Eins abgibt, wenn eine niedrigwertige Bit-Stelle eines Mixcodewortes durch ein Bit der Zusatzinformation ersetzt werden soll. Somit gibt der Steuersignalgeber SG in gewünschter Weise immer dann an seinem Ausgang ein Umsteursignal an den eingangsseitigen Zweifach-Umschalter Ue, wenn in einem auftretenden Mixcodewort entweder das niedrigstwertige oder zwei und mehr niedrigwertige Bits dieses Codewortes durch Bits der Zusatzinformation ersetzt werden sollen.Various modules are responsible for generating the control signal for the input double switch Ue. First there is the combiner KR, to which the digital additional signal Z-SIG is fed in addition to other signals. On the output side, the combiner KR has three connections a, b, c, of which at connection a a signal about the number of reference code words per code word group, at connection b a signal indicating the number of code words per code word group, and at the connection c a signal indicating the number of bits of additional information per mix code word can be taken. As an alternative, the signal c can also be obtained from the value of the current code words, the signal c also being selected as a function of the level of the values. For this purpose, the combiner KR is additionally supplied with the signal H-SIG / A, which is continuously detected and from which the signal c is derived when predetermined values of the code words are recognized. A signal UM is fed to the combiner KR to switch over the two operating modes to obtain the signal c. The output connections a and b of the KR combiner are connected to the corresponding input-side connections a and b of the word location transmitter WG, which always outputs a binary one at its output-side connection d to the one input of the control signal transmitter consisting of an AND element when it detects the occurrence of a mix code word. The output-side connection c of the combiner KR is connected to the corresponding input-side connection c of the bit transmitter BG, which in turn always has a binary one at its output-side connection f, which is connected to the second input of the control signal generator SG, which is an AND element outputs if a low-order bit position of a mix code word is to be replaced by a bit of additional information. Thus, the control signal generator SG always gives a changeover signal at its output to the double switch Ue on the input side, if in a mix code word occurring either the least significant or two and more low order bits of this code word are to be replaced by bits of the additional information.

Wie weiter noch erkennbar ist, weist die Systemeingangsseite SE noch einen Subinformationscodierer SRC auf, der eingangsseitig die Hilfsinformation HI von einer Hilfsinformationsquelle HQ und darüber hinaus auch die an den ausgangsseitigen Anschlüssen a, b und c des Koordinators KR anstehenden Signal erhält. Der Subinformationscodierer SRC führt der ihm eingangsseitig zugeführten Informationen zur Subcode-Information SC nach Fig. 7 zusammen und führt sie ausgangsseitig zur Einfügung in die Blöcke B an den Block-Codierer BC weiter. Mit der Subcode-Information SC wird vorteilhaft der Systemausgangsseite SA die gegenwärtig gesandte Bezugs- bzw. Mischcodewort-Konfiguration mitgeteilt.As can also be seen, the system input side SE also has a sub-information encoder SRC, which receives the auxiliary information HI from an auxiliary information source HQ on the input side and also the signal present at the output-side connections a, b and c of the coordinator KR. The sub-information encoder SRC merges the information supplied to it on the input side into the sub-code information SC according to FIG. 7 and forwards it on the output side for insertion into blocks B to the block encoder BC. With the subcode information SC, the system output side SA is advantageously informed of the currently sent reference or mixed code word configuration.

Auf der Signalausgangsseite SA empfängt der Subinformationsdecodierer SRD vom Ausgang des Blockdecodierers BD die Subcode-Information und gibt ausgangsseitig die Hilfsinformation HI an den Hilfsinformationsempfänger HE und weitere Signale an die eingangsseitigen Anschlüsse a, b, c, des Worstellengebers WG und des Bit-Stellengebers BG ab. Diese weiteren Signale entsprechen den Signalen an den ausgangsseitigen Anschlüssen a, b und c des Koordinators KR auf der Systemausgangsseite SA. Auch hier sind zwei Betriebsarten vorgesehen, nämlich zum einen eine fest vorgegebene Anzahl von niedrigwertiger Bits, die in einem Codewort ersetzt werden, und zum anderen eine Abhängigkeit dieser zu ersetzenden Zahl der Bits vom Wert des Codewortes. Ebenso wie dem systemeingangsseitigen Kombinator KR ist auch dem Subinformationsdecodierer RD ein Umschaltsignal UM zugeführt, welches die Umschaltung der beiden Betriebsarten zur Berechnung des Signals c steuert. Auf diese Weise wird dann entsprechend der Signaleingangsseite SE erreicht, daß der Steuersignalgeber SG immer dann ein Umschalten des ausgangsseitigen Mehrfach-Umschalters Ua bewirkt, wenn eine Bit-Stelle eines Mixcodewortes auftritt, die von einem Bit der Zusatzinformation besetzt ist. Dabei wird mittels des mittleren Umschaltkontaktes des ausgangsseitigen Mehrfach-Umschalters Ua die Zusatzinformation von den Mixcodeworten abgeleitet und dem ausgangsseitigen Puffer BMa zugeführt. Gleichzeitig wird durch den untersten Umschaltkontakt des ausgangsseitigen Mehrfach-Umschalters Ua bewirkt, daß immer dann, wenn dem ausgangsseitigen Puffer BMa ein Bit der Zusatzinformation zugeführt wird, am ausgangsseitigen Puffer BMa als Einlesetakt der Bit-Takt der Hauptinformation T2 anliegt. Als Auslesetakt für den ausgangsseitigen Puffer BMa ist der Bit-Takt der Zusatzinformation T3 wirksam, so daß am Ausgang das digitale Zusatzsignal Z-SIG kontinuierlich abgenommen werden kann.On the signal output side SA, the sub-information decoder SRD receives the sub-code information from the output of the block decoder BD and outputs the auxiliary information HI to the auxiliary information receiver HE and further signals to the input-side connections a, b, c, the word transmitter WG and the bit transmitter BG . These further signals correspond to the signals at the output connections a, b and c of the coordinator KR on the system output side SA. Here, too, two operating modes are provided, namely firstly a fixedly predetermined number of low-order bits that are replaced in a code word, and secondly a dependency of the number of bits to be replaced on the value of the code word. Just like the combiner KR on the system input side, the subinformation decoder RD is also supplied with a changeover signal UM which controls the changeover of the two operating modes for calculating the signal c. In this way, according to the signal input side SE, the control signal generator SG always switches the output-side multiple switch Ua when a bit position of a mix code word occurs that is occupied by a bit of the additional information. In this case, the additional information is derived from the mix code words by means of the middle switch contact of the multiple switch Ua on the output side and fed to the buffer BMa on the output side. At the same time, the lowermost changeover contact of the multiple switch Ua on the output side ensures that whenever a bit of additional information is supplied to the output side buffer BMa, the bit clock of the main information T2 is present on the output side buffer BMa as the read clock. The bit clock of the additional information T3 is effective as the read clock for the output-side buffer BMa, so that the digital additional signal Z-SIG can be taken off continuously at the output.

In den Zeitpunkten, in denen dem ausgangsseitigen Puffer BMa die Bits der Zusatzinformation zugführt werden, können gleichzeitig in die Mixcodeworte als Ersatz Bits geeigneter Wertigkeit der Substitutionsquelle SQ eingefügt werden. Die zur Rekonstruktion der Mixcodeworte als Ersatz für die Bits der Zusatzinformation in die Mixcodeworte einzufügenden Bits können Bits geeigneter Wertigkeit einer Substitutionshilfssignalquelle, beispielsweise eines Ditheroszillators, sein.At the times in which the bits of the additional information are fed to the output-side buffer BMa, bits of suitable value of the substitution source SQ can be inserted into the mix code words as replacement. The bits to be inserted into the mix code words for the reconstruction of the mix code words as a replacement for the bits of the additional information can be bits of suitable value of a substitution auxiliary signal source, for example a dither oscillator.

Dies geschieht mittels des Umschalters U, durch den Eingang des Digital-Analogwandlers DA wahlweise mit dem obersten Umschaltkontakt des ausgangsseitigen Mehrfach-Umschalters Ua oder dem Ausgang der Sutitutionshilfssignalquelle SQ verbunden werden kann. Der Umschalter U wird für die Betriebsart, in der die Anzahl der ersetzten, niedrigstwertigen Bits vom jeweiligen codierten Amplituden wert des Code-Wortes abhängt, über den Ausgang des Und-Gliedes UND 0 gesteuert, an dessen erstem Eingang das Signal am Ausgang des Steuersignalgebers SG, an dessen zweitem Eingang das Ausgangssignal des Vergleichs VO und an dessen drittem Eingang das Signal UM zur Betriebsart-Umschaltung ansteht. Der Vergleicher VO vergleicht die am Ausgang des Wortaufteilers WA auftretenden Code-Wort mit vom Bezugswertspeicher MO gelieferten Referenz-Codeworten bzw. Codewortfolge-Kriterien.This is done by means of the switch U, through which the input of the digital / analog converter DA can be connected either to the uppermost switch contact of the multiple switch Ua on the output side or to the output of the auxiliary auxiliary signal source SQ. The changeover switch U is controlled for the operating mode in which the number of replaced, least significant bits depends on the coded amplitude value of the code word, via the output of the AND gate AND 0, at the first input of which the signal at the output of the control signal generator SG , at the second input of which the output signal of the comparison VO and at the third input of which the UM signal for operating mode changeover is present. The comparator VO compares the code word occurring at the output of the word splitter WA with reference code words or code word sequence criteria supplied by the reference value memory MO.

Der Vergleicher VO gibt als immer dann eine binäre Eins an den zugehörigen Eingang des Und-Gliedes UND 0, wenn das am Wortteiler-Ausgang anstehende Bit eines Codewortes vom Bezugswertspeicher MO als ein Zusatzinformations-Bit erkannt wurde. In diesem Falle werden dann über den obersten Schaltkontakt des ausgangsseitigen Mehrfach-Umschalters Ua Bits geeigneter Wertigkeit der Substitutionshilfssignalquelle im Digital-Analogwandler D/A zugeführt und über den mittleren Umschalterkontakt des Umschalters UA die Zusatzinformationen enthaltenden Bits am Ausgang des Wortaufteilers WA dem ausgangsseitigen Puffer BMA.The comparator VO outputs a binary one to the associated input of the AND element AND 0 whenever the bit of a code word present at the word divider output has been recognized by the reference value memory MO as an additional information bit. In this case, bits of suitable value are then fed to the substitution auxiliary signal source in the digital-to-analog converter D / A via the uppermost switch contact of the multiple switch Ua on the output side and bits containing the additional information at the output of word splitter WA to the output-side buffer BMA via the middle switch contact of switch UA.

Die zu ersetzenden Bit-Stellen der zugeordneten Mixcodeworte liefert der Substitutionssignalgeber SS für die zweite Betriebsart über seinen ausgangsseitigen Anschluß h. Ihm werden über den eingangsseitigen Anschluß g vom Ausgang des Wortaufteilers WA die Bezugscodeworte der aufeinanderfolgenden Codewort-Gruppen und über den Anschluß k der Bit-Takt der Hauptinformation T2 zugeführt. Weiterhin erhält er über seinen eingangs seitigen Anschluß a vom Subcode-Decodierer SRD die für die vorzunehmende Substitution erforderlichen Angaben über die Anzahl der Bezugscodeworte pro Codewort-Gruppe. Weitere Informationen erhält der Substitutionssignalgeber SS von den ausgangsseitigen Anschlüssen x und y des Wortstellengebers WG.The substitution signal generator SS supplies the bit positions of the assigned mix code words to be replaced for the second operating mode via its output connection h. It receives the reference code words of the successive code word groups via the input connection g from the output of the word splitter WA and via the connection k the bit clock of the main information T2 fed. Furthermore, via its input-side connection a, it receives from the subcode decoder SRD the information required for the substitution to be made about the number of reference code words per code word group. The substitution signal generator SS receives further information from the output-side connections x and y of the word position generator WG.

Das nähere Einzelheiten darstellende Blockschaltbild für einen Wortstellengeber WG zeigt Fig. 12. Er besteht aus den beiden Zählern Z1 und Z2, den beiden Vergleichern V1 und V2, dem Oder-Glied OR, Und-Glied UND1 und dem Inverter 11. Im Zähler Z1, der eingangsseitig den Worttakt der Hauptinformation T1 erhält, werden die aufeinanderfolgenden Codeworte gezählt und mittels der über den eingangsseitigen Anschluß b zugeführten Information bezüglich der Zahl der Codeworte pro Codewort-Gruppe im Vergleicher V1 festgestellt, wann der Zähler Z1 eine Codewort-Gruppe gezählt hat. Das Ansprechen des Vergleichers V1 führt zu einem Rücksetzsignal des Zählers Z1 vom Ausgang des Vergleichers V1 über das Oder-Glied OR zum Rückstelleingang r des Zählers Z1. Gleichzeitig wird das Ausgangssignal des Vergleichers V1 dem Rückstelleingang r des Zählers Z2 zugeführt, dessen Zähleingang immer so lange die Taktimpulse des Worttaktes der Hauptinformation T1 über das Und-Glied UND1 zugeführt werden, solange der Vergleicher V2 nicht anspricht und somit kein Ausgangssignal dieses ergleichers über den Inverter 11 am zweiten Eingang des Und-Gliedes UND1 wirksam wird. Der Vergleicher V2, dem über den eingangsseitigen Anschluß a des Wortstellengebers WG am einen Eingang die Anzahl der Bezugscodeworte pro Codewort-Gruppe und dessen anderen Eingang das Ausgangssignal des Zählers Z2 zugeführt werden, spricht an, sobald er die Anzhl der Bezungs codeworte in einer Codewort-Gruppe erfaßt hat, und sperrt mit seinem Ausgangssignal, wie bereits erwähnt worden ist, über den Inverter 11 den Zähler Z2. Zugleich wird das Ausgangssignal des Vergleichers V2 als Ausgangssignal des Wortstellengebers WG am Anschluß d wirksam. Mit anderen Worten ist beim Wortgebeer WG der ausgangsseitige Anschluß d immer im Zeitintervall des Auftretens eines Mixcodewortes aktiviert.Fig. 12 shows the more detailed block diagram for a word location generator WG. It consists of the two counters Z1 and Z2, the two comparators V1 and V2, the OR gate OR, AND gate AND1 and the inverter 11. In the counter Z1, who receives the word clock of the main information T1 on the input side, the successive code words are counted and by means of the information supplied via the input side connection b regarding the number of code words per code word group in the comparator V1, it is determined when the counter Z1 has counted a code word group. The response of the comparator V1 leads to a reset signal of the counter Z1 from the output of the comparator V1 via the OR gate OR to the reset input r of the counter Z1. At the same time, the output signal of the comparator V1 is fed to the reset input r of the counter Z2, the counting input of which is always supplied with the clock pulses of the word clock of the main information T1 via the AND gate AND1, as long as the comparator V2 does not respond and therefore no output signal from this comparator via the Inverter 11 at the second input of the AND gate UND1 takes effect. The comparator V2, to which the number of reference code words per code word group and the other input of which the output signal of the counter Z2 is supplied via the input-side connection a of the word location transmitter WG at one input, responds as soon as it receives the number of the reference code words in a code word. Group has detected, and blocks with its output signal, as has already been mentioned, the counter Z2 via the inverter 11. At the same time, the output signal of the comparator V2 becomes effective as the output signal of the word position transmitter WG at the connection d. In other words, in the word generator WG, the output connection d is always activated in the time interval of the occurrence of a mix code word.

Das Blockschaltbild des Bit-Stellengebers BG nach Fig. 13 hat einen ähnlichen Schaltungsaufbau wie des Wortstellengeber WG nach Fig. 12. Er verfügt überden Zähler Z3, den Vergleicher V3, das Und-Glied UND2 und den Inverter 12. Der Worttakt der Hauptinformation T1 ist dem Rückstelleingang r des Zählers Z3 zugeführt und setzt diesen zu Beginn eines Worttaktes in seine Ausgangsstellung zurück. Das Ausgangssignal des invertiert zählenden Zählers Z3 wird mit dem die Zahl der Bits der Zusatzinformationen pro Mixcodewort angebenden Information am eingangsseitigen Anschluß c im Vergleicher V3 verglichen und der Ausgang des Vergleichers V3 aktiviert, sobald diese Bit-Zahl erreicht ist. Zugleich wird der Eingang des Zählers Z3, dem der Bit-Takt der Hauptinformation T2 über das Und-Glied UND2 zugeführt wird, über den Inverter 12 vom Ausgangssignal des Vergleichers V3 gesperrt. Somit ist der ausgangsseitige Anschluß f des Bit-Stellengebers BG, der mit dem Ausgang des Vergleichers V3 identisch ist, immer in den Zeitintervallen aktiviert, in denen vorgegebene, mit Bits der Zusatzinformation anzufüllende Bit-Stellen von Mixcodeworten auftreten.The block diagram of the bit. - Make encoder BG of Fig 13 has a circuit structure similar to the word locations transmitter WG of Figure 12. It has via the counter C3, comparator V3, the AND gate AND2 and the inverter 12. The word clock of the main information T1. fed to the reset input r of the counter Z3 and resets it to its starting position at the beginning of a word clock. The output signal of the inverted counter Z3 is compared with the information indicating the number of bits of additional information per mix code word at the input terminal c in the comparator V3, and the output of the comparator V3 is activated as soon as this number of bits is reached. At the same time, the input of the counter Z3, to which the bit clock of the main information T2 is fed via the AND gate UND2, is blocked by the output signal of the comparator V3 via the inverter 12. Thus, the output-side connection f of the bit position transmitter BG, which is identical to the output of the comparator V3, is always activated in the time intervals in which predetermined bit positions of mix code words to be filled with bits of the additional information occur.

Das Verfahren nach der Erfindung läßt sich überall da einsetzen, wo im Zuge der Verarbeitung von digitalen Informationen in vorgegebenem Blockformat innerhalb des vorgegebenen Blockformats weitere Informationen mit verarbeitet werden sollen. Unter anderem ist die Anwendung des Verfahrens vorteilhaft bei in digitaler Form auf optisch auslesbaren plattenförmigen Informationsträgern abzuspeichernden Toninformationen, die zusätzlilch mit Bildinformationen versehen werden sollen.

Figure imgb0001
Figure imgb0002
 The method according to the invention can be used wherever further information is also to be processed within the specified block format in the course of processing digital information in a specified block format. Among other things, the application of the method is advantageous in the case of sound information to be stored in digital form on optically readable plate-shaped information carriers, which sound information is also to be provided with image information.
Figure imgb0001
Figure imgb0002

Claims (7)

1. A method of transmitting audio information in digital form, in which each of a predetermined number of code words represents a sample of an analog audio signal and in which, for the additional transmission of additional information in digital form, one or more least significant bits in every nth code word of the digital audio information is/are replaced by bits of the additional information, n being a natural whole number larger than zero, characterized in that the number of bits being replaced depends on the encoded amplitude value of the relevant code word of the audio information in such a way that when larger predetermined reference values are exceeded more bits are replaced than when smaller predetermined reference values are exceeded.
2. A method as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that the number n is preferably two or larger.
3. A method as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when predetermined values of the code words are exceeded one or more least significant bits of the digital audio information are replaced by bits of the additional information not only in each n'" code word but also in the other code words, depending on the magnitude of the encoded amplitude value which is exceeded in such a way that in a predetermined manner more bits are replaced when larger predetermined reference values are exceeded than when smaller predetermined reference values are exceeded, which smaller predetermined reference values are at least for the majority, larger than the reference values for the replacement of the least significant bits in each nt" code word.
4. A method as claimed in any one of the Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the clock-pulse counting operation for the number n is restarted each time that fixed predetermined values of the code words or sequences of a code word appear and proceeds cyclically until the next appearance of the predetermined code words or sequences of code words which again restart the clock-pulse counting operation.
5. A method as claimed in any one of the Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that after the transmission the additional information bits are separated from the data bits of the audio information and the vacated bit positions in the code words are filled with bits from a digital noise oscillator.
6. A method as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that the code words together with synchronising information, sub-code information and, if applicable, error-code information are combined to form blocks of fixed predetermined length, the method comprising the following steps:
A. at the system input side (SE),
a. dividing the successive code words (1, 2, ... 24) in the block (B) of the main information (H-SIG/C) into a plurality of identical code-word groups (CW1, CW2) comprising code words, which succeed each other directly,
b. dividing each code group (CW1, CW2) into reference data words whose information content is invariable and into variable mixed code words, the reference code words preferably constituting the beginning of a code-word group,
c. replacing a number of least significant bits of the mixed code words by bits of suitably encoded additional information (Z-SIG), which number of bits to be replaced may be a predetermined number or a number which depends on the value of the digital audio information, more bits being replaced in the case of larger values than in the case of smaller values,
B. at the system output side (SA)
a. detecting the temporal position of the reference code words and the mixed code words of the code word groups (CW1, CW2) by means of the synchronising information (T4),
b. separating the bits representing the additional information (Z-SIG) from the mixed code words and filling the vacated bit positions with bits of suitable significance from a substitution auxiliary-signal source (SQ),
c. decoding the reconstructed code words of the main information (H-SIG/C) and of the additional information (Z-SIG) recovered from the mixed code words.
7. A method as claimed in Claim 6, characterized in that the substitution auxiliary-signal source (SQ) is a digital dither oscillator.
EP86200876A 1985-05-21 1986-05-21 Method for transmitting audio and additional information in digital form Expired - Lifetime EP0205200B1 (en)

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WO1989008915A1 (en) * 1988-03-18 1989-09-21 Imperial College Of Science, Technology & Medicine Digital data security system
FR2658022A1 (en) * 1990-02-07 1991-08-09 Telediffusion Fse METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MARKING AND IDENTIFYING DIGITAL INFORMATION.
WO1993011616A1 (en) * 1991-11-26 1993-06-10 Daimler Benz Ag Digital data transmission process in the null symbol of a cofdm modulation process
EP0585628A1 (en) 1992-09-03 1994-03-09 BÄSSGEN AV - TECHNIK GmbH Apparatus for storing and reproducing audio records with synchronous driving of the additional apparatus, by the accompanying audio reproduction

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DE3523809C2 (en) 1993-04-29
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US4750173A (en) 1988-06-07
DE3523809A1 (en) 1986-11-27
DE3673080D1 (en) 1990-09-06
JPS6226672A (en) 1987-02-04
ATE55199T1 (en) 1990-08-15
CA1251280A (en) 1989-03-14

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